Tourists beaten in gang robbery

(eTN) – A Canadian tourist was beaten with a baseball bat and his sister was pushed in a robbery in west Belfast.
The 25-year-old man was hit on the head with the bat and his sister, 27, was pushed against a wall in the attack at Bearnagh Drive early on Sunday.

The gang stole jewellery, money and a mobile phone. The man was treated in the Royal Victoria Hospital where he received stitches for a head injury.

Four teenagers have been arrested for questioning about the attack.

Police have appealed for witnesses.

The tourists were taking a walk early on Sunday morning after a visit to their relatives in the area.

One of the youths arrested in connection with the attack is 15 years old, two are 16 years old and one is aged 17.

Police said they had recovered screwdrivers, a baseball bat and knives.

Sinn Fein assembly member Paul Maskey said “mindless thugs” carried out the attack.

He called for more resources to tackle anti-social behaviour in west Belfast.